Linear inflatable module device

ABSTRACT

In combination with a load supporting member, such as a cable, strap, belt, or the like, a linear inflatable buoyancy device, or plurality thereof, of elongated, generally cylindrical form that conforms in shape with and may be made an integral part of said load supporting member, comprising a flexible, expansible bladder, contained within a flexible, expansible, retaining sleeve, which in turn is folded within and protected by a flexible outer casing, in combination with a gas source, gas delivery means and actuating means for release of said gas to inflate said inflatable module. The structure permits use of the same inflatable module for a variety of applications by interconnecting a plurality of said modules, by means of conventional mechanical and pneumatic couplings and fasteners, in configurations suitable for life saving, boat safety, mooring and other surface and sub-surface marine uses. Means are also provided within said inflatable module for adjustment of the amount and location of buoyancy obtainable upon inflation thereof.

United States Patent 1 1 Davidson 51 Jan. 16,1973

[54] LINEAR INFLATABLE MODULE DEVICE [76] lnventor: William M. Davidson,Box 74,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,253,526 1/1918 Portella..114/54 1,293,899 2/1919 Pendergast..... ..114/54 1,492,614 5/1924Tworski ..114/54 2,179,125 11/1939 Kirlin ..114/54X 1,620,421 3/1927Wilson ..9/311 2,546,396 3/1951 Jenkins 9/312 X 2,842,785 7/1958Sieverts 9/342 X 2,859,458 l1/1958 Calarco 9/313 X 2,869,151 H1959Johnson ....9/340 X 3,343,189 911967 Pollard et al. ..9/312 9 ll/IIIIIIIr I J I Primary Examiner-Milton Buchler Assistant ExaminerPaul E.Sauberer [57] ABSTRACT In combination with a load supporting member,such as a cable, strap, belt, or the like, a linear inflatable buoyancydevice, or plurality thereof, of elongated,

generally cylindrical form that conforms in shape with and may be madean integral part of said'load support ing member, comprising a flexible,expansible bladder, contained within a flexible, expansible, retainingsleeve, which in turn is folded within and protected by a flexible outercasing,- incombination with a gas source, gas delivery means andactuatingvmeans for release of said gas to inflate said inflatablemodule. The structure permits use of the same inflatable module for avariety of applications by interconnecting a plurality of said modules,by means of conventional mechanical and pneumatic couplings andfasteners, in configurations suitable for life saving, boat safety,mooringrand other surface and sub-surface marine uses. Means are alsoprovided within said inflatable module for adjustment of the amount andlocation of buoyancy obtainable upon inflation thereof.

l 4 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJM 16 ms SHEET 1 [IF 2 WILLIAM M.DAVIDSON PATENTEUJAK 16 1973 SHEET 2 [1F 2 FIG. 2d

71 3 IIIIII I INVENTOR WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON This invention relates toinflatable buoyancy devices having multiple uses such as for lifepreservers, boat safety, mooring, lifting submerged objects and othernormal or emergency buoyancy applications.

One object of this invention is to provide an inflatable device in theconfiguration of alinear strap or band such that it can be worn in aloop as a life jacket, can be used as a life buoy, can be wrapped aroundsubmerged objects, can be floated as a spar buoy to mark the location ofa submerged object, can be strapped together in parallel strips to forma mattress or raft, as well as numerous other normal or emergencybuoyancy uses akin to the manner in which straps, bands, ropes, cablesand other tension members are used in and around the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inflatable buoyancydevice of the foregoing character which is capable of being worn orstored on boats or on near-water facilities in a small compact packagewith the inflatable portion folded in such manner that the package iscomfortable to wear or use in the form of a cushion or backrest when notemployed for flotation purposes.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inflatable buoyancydevice of the foregoing character wherein the shape of the inflatablemember can be altered by the user to suit the flotation requirements ofdifferent applications, such as its use as a spar buoy in one instanceand then changing the shape so that the same device can be used as alife jacket.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a device of theforegoing character that can be economically made, easily repacked afteruse and reused numerous times without replacement of the inflatablemember or other component parts, with the exception of the gas source.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which: 7

FIG. 1 illustrates pictorially several of the possible uses for thisinvention. FIG. 1(a) depicts an inflatable module device formed into theconfiguration of a life jacket. FIG. 1(b) shows a plurality of linearmodule devices attached to the gunwales of a boat. FIG. 1(c) illustratesone method for using the device, or a plurality thereof, for emergencybuoyancy to aid in removing a stranded boat from a sandbar, FIG. 1(d)illustrates a mooring application where the inflatable device is used asa spar buoy. FIG. 1(e) shows a cross-section view of a boat hull thatfurther illustrates the method of using a plurality of such devicescoupled together with a rope attached at either end. FIG. 1(f)illustrates a method of inter-connecting a plurality of inflatablemodules together to form a life raft.

FIGS. 2a-2g illustrates one method of construction for a preferred formof linear inflatable module device. FIG. 2(a) presents a cross-sectionview of an inflatable module having gas ports at either end and aclosure that restricts expansion of the bladder midway between the endsof said device. FIG. 2(b) shows a plan view of the same device whendeflated and packed within the outer view at 2-2 in the deflated andpacked condition. FIG. 2(e) is a cross-section view at 2-2 with thedevice inflated. FIG. 20) is a longitudinal cross-section view of aninflated element. FIG. 2(g) is a longitudinal crosssection view of thesame element when deflated and packed.

FIG. 3 presents a cross-section view at 3-3 of the device illustrated inFIG. 2(a) to illustrate the method of altering configuration of theinflatable portion of the device.

Referring now to FIGS. la-lf, numeral 1 indicates in its entirety acomplete inflatable buoyancy device as described herein. The device canbe used in many different ways as illustrated and further described asfollows: FIG. 1(a) shows device 1 used as a life jacket in the manner ofa collar or yoke that may be worn around the neck or over the shoulder.Device 1 is normally a linear inflatable device as illustrated elsewherein FIGS. Ia-lf. When worn as a collar, the ends of device 1 can befastened to each other by means of a suitable fastener 8, such as aclasp, and secured to the waist of the wearer by means of separable belt4a, Al-

ternatively, the edges of device 1 may be fastened together by means ofa zipper in the manner of a vest. FIG. 1(b) shows device 1 attached tothe gunwales of a boat and to the back of the seats for emergency use inthe event of flooding; recent tests have shown that at least 25 percentand preferably 50 percent of the flotation material in a boat should belocated along the gunwales. FIG. l(c) shows device 1 used in the mannerof an underwater jack for lifting and freeing a boat that has run onto asandbar; several units of device I can be connected end to end as shownby means of strap 4 and fastener 8 together with couplings 5, used tointerconnect all of the gas fill lines in series so that all units maybe inflated from a common source on the deck of the boat, if desired;rope 6 is connected to the end units for ease in adjusting the positionof devices 1 from the deck. FIG. 1(d) illustrates how device 1 can beused as a spar buoy for purposes of mooring or marking the location of asubmerged object. FIG. 1(e) shows how device 1 may be strapped to asubmerged object to provide flotation for recovery by raising the objectto the surface; the inflatable member 2 is sufficiently strong that itcan be inflated to a pressure of at least 5 psig, as required if device1 is to ascend to the surface from a depth of at least 10 feet. FIG. 10)shows device 1 used in multiple numbers, the units being fastenedtogether in parallel, such as by length-wise zippers on each edge,v

to form a mattress or raft. Numerous other uses can be found for device1, both in and around the water because of its simplicity andadaptability for general use as a flotation device, being durablyconstructed in the form of a band or strap of almost any desired length,equipped with a tension or load carrying casing. FIG. 2(c) shows a sideelevation of the same device deflated and packed. FIG. 2(d) is across-section member,connectors at either end. for transmitting the loadto other attachments, connectors at either end for supplying gas to theinflatable member, an inflatable member having adjustable shape, and aprotective casing into which the inflatable member can be easily andquickly folded after use.

Referring to drawing FIG. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c), device l consists of oneor more inflatable flotation members 2 and, additionally may have fixedflotation incorporated as part of casing 3. Casing 3 may be rectangularin cross-section as shown in FIG. 2(d) or alternately may have a tubularcross-section or other shape, and said casing completely encloses andprotects flotation members 2 when packed for normal wear or storage.Tension member 4, which may be a strap of woven plastic, such as Nylonor similar highstrength material, capable of carrying large tensileloads, is permanently affixed to casing 3 over its entire length; strap4 may be molded integrally with casing 3 or. attached externally, suchas is shown in FIG. 2(d). At either end of strap 4 there are buckles,clasps or other fasteners 8 for use in releasably connecting strap 4 toanother device 1, a mounting fixture, a rope or to itself, as previouslyillustrated to form a loop or collar. At either end of easing 3 variousgas fittings may be attached, as indicated by numeral 5, such as a snapcoupling, a plug, a C gas cartridge for purposes of inflating flotationmember 2. Casing 3 is restrained from opening at the ends of or betweenflotation members 2 by means of zippers or tape or other suitableclosure devices in order to retain flotation member 2 in position andproperly contained within protective casing 3.

' The spacing of flotation members 2, their length and size, as well asthe location and length of closure devices 7 can be varied to suit theintended use; as for example, in the case ofa life jacket, it may bedesired to increase the spacing between flotation members 2 and toreduce the diameter of the inflated portion that fits behind the neckwhen device 1 is to be worn as a collar or yoke as in FIG. 1(a) in orderto have a comfortable fit. How such adjustment is achieved will bedescribed later in further detail.

FIGS. 2(d) and 2(e) further explain the construction and use offlotation member 2, which consists of bladder 9 enclosed within flexiblerestraining member or enclosure 10. Enclosure 10 may be an open-meshscrim material, such as Nylon or fiberglass screen, or may be aperforated material, such as vinyl plastic reinforced with Nylon. Thismethod of construction has been found to be very strong and durable inlarger underwater lift recovery devices. Bladder 9 can be made of thinplastic film material, such as polyethylene or polyester, and beinglarger in size than enclosure 10 it is free to adjust its positionwithout being subjected to strain. The perforations or open-mesh inenclosure 10 permit free exchange of air and water between bladder 9 andenclosure 10, further insuring free movement of bladder 9. Other typesof inflatables, such as rubber or vinyl tubes or spheres, used withoutenclosure 10 tend to fatigue and develop weak spots when reused,especially if restrained by external forces during expansion or use.When bladder 9 is inflated, it will emerge from casing 3 along withenclosure 10 until restrained from further expansion by enclosure 10.Since bladder 9 is larger in volume than enclosure 10, the latter memberabsorbs the gas expansion forces and permits the use of gas pressuresthat are substantially greater than can be used with other types ofinflatable devices, such as those using expandable materials, e.g., arubber bladder, thereby permitting use of inflatable device 1 at depth.

Referring now to FIG. 2(a) and 2(d), it can be seen that casing 3, whichmay be round or rectangular or other shape in cross-section, completelyencloses bladder 9 and enclosure 10 when device 1 is deflated.

The opening in casing 3 where bladder 9 and enclosure 10 emerge consistsof two overlapping flaps 12 that extend the entire length of easing 3.Flaps 12 may be releasably fastened together, as indicated at k, alongthe entire length of casing 3 or held closed at certain locations alongthe length of easing 3 by suitable closure means such as tape 7. Whendevice 1 is inflated, flaps 12 open as shown in FIG. 2(e) and form aprotective shield for enclosure 10 and bladder 9. Enclosure 10preferably is permanently attached to casing 3 along its entire lengthat one edge, as indicated in FIG. 2(d) at seam h, and is furtherretained within casing 3 by means of closures 7. Further, it is possibleto change the shape of flotation member 2 by shifting the point ofattachment for the releasable side of enclosure 10 as illustrated byreference to FIGS. 2(e) and 3 which are cross-section views of FIG.2(a). In FIG. 2(e), point b represents the location of seam b-b' whereenclosure 10 is permanently attached to casing 3; point a representsseam a-a where the edge of enclosure 10 is releasably attached to casing3 by means of a plastic zipper or other closure means; point crepresents seams cc'which may remain open as shown in FIG. 2(e) orclosed as shown in FIG. 3 by releasable attachment to casing 3 by meansof a plastic zipper or other suitable closure at point a. When point 0is secured at point a, the unused portion of enclosure 10 folds insidethe base of casing 3 as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, by proper location ofsaid closure devices, it is seen that the user can alter the locationand amount of buoyancy derived from flotation device 2.

The construction of bladder 9 is illustrated by FIG.

20) and 2(g). Bladder 9 is shown in both inflated and folded conditionwith a longitudinal heat-sealed seam. Alternately, bladder 9 can be madefrom an extruded sleeve or cylinder of plastic tubing, such as thepolyethylene materials that are made as food wrappers. The ends ofbladder 9 are sealed to fill tubes 11 by heat sealing methods or byseams of monofilament Nylon string 13; metal tube insert 14 is usedwhere the latter method is employed and is also helpful for attaching toadjacent fill tubes. Fill tubes 11 are made from flexible plastictubing, such as vinyl plastic, and are extended well inside of bladder 9to insure that the flow of gas into or out of bladder 9 is not impededby folds in the bladder material. Bladder 9 can be folded simply bypulling simultaneously on opposite ends of bladder 9 with one or both ofthe fill tubes 11 open to the atmosphere. When bladder film material isless than about 1.5 mils thick, bladder 9 folds itself in a smallcompact package without using special construction for folding. Forthicker materials, bladder 9 may be constructed from a sheet folded innarrow strips, in the manner of a fan, with each fold being bonded atboth ends to the adjacent fold, the center fold being left unbonded topermit entry of fill tube 1 1 and the final closure being made to thelongitudinal seam as illustrated in FIG. 2(g). Use of the fan-foldconstruction will provide a compact self-folding bladder 9 that willfold easily inside enclosure 10 when simply stretched in thelongitudinal direction. Enclosure 10 may be constructed and folded in asimilar manner, depending on material thickness.

Device 1 may be inflated through fill tubes 11 by mouth, byhand-operated air bellows, by motor driven pump, by compressed gas, suchas a C0 cartridge or by means of a chemical gas generator. The gascartridges may be operated manually or automatically upon contact withwater and, being located at either or both ends of device 1, can bemounted inside of casing 3 to prevent accidental activation.

We claim:

1. An inflatable, flexible, elongated buoyancy device arranged in linealconfiguration and comprising:

a. A first elongate, perforate, flexible sheet, said sheet being foldedupon itself along its long axis whereby an elongate enclosure withapertures at either end is formed by said folded sheet and the elongateedges of said folded sheet are arranged to define an elongate opening incommunication with said enclosure;

b. A second elongate, flexible sheet, loosely arranged and freelydisposed within said enclosure and constructed and arranged thereinwhereby an inflatable bladder, having gas fill ports at either end, isdefined within said enclosure continuously along its elongate dimension;

c. A third elongate, flexible, outer casing connecting said elongateedges of said first elongate sheet, one of said elongate edges beingaffixed to said elongate outer casing along its entire elongatedimension and the other elongate edge thereof being releasably attachedto said elongate outer casing along its elongate dimension by means offasteners, such as zippers;

(1. Means for inflating and venting said bladder from either end of itselongate dimension, such as by gas fill tubes, said means being securedto said bladder with gas tight seals and said means being releaseablyinserted through said apertures at either end of said elongatedenclosure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein releasable fasteners, such aszippers, are affixed externally to said perforate sheet along one ormore elongate seams spaced apart circumferentially and in parallel withsaid elongate edges of said perforate sheet, said releasable fastenersbeing made of predetermined lengths and affixed to said perforate sheetin juxtaposition to mating fasteners affixed to said outer casingwhereby the volume of said bladder may be varied along its elongatedimension by selective attachment of said perforate sheet to said outercasing along the elongate dimension of said buoyancy device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongate outer casing isarranged continuously enveloping the exterior of said perforate sheetwhereby said perforate sheet and said bladder enclosed therein willself-fold compactly within said outer casing when said buoyancy deviceis vented and stretched taut along its elongate dimension.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an elongate, load member, suchas astrap or cable, is embodied within or affixed to said outer casing alongits elongate dimension.

1. An inflatable, flexible, elongated buoyancy device arranged in linealconfiguration and comprising: a. A first elongate, perforate, flexiblesheet, said sheet being folded upon itself along its long axis wherebyan elongate enclosure with apertures at either end is formed by saidfolded sheet and the elongate edges of said folded sheet are arranged todefine an elongate opening in communication with said enclosure; b. Asecond elongate, flexible sheet, loosely arranged and freely disposedwithin said enclosure and constructed and arranged therein whereby aninflatable bladder, having gas fill ports at either end, is definedwithin said enclosure continuously along its elongate dimension; c. Athird elongate, flexible, outer casing connecting said elongate edges ofsaid first elongate sheet, one of said elongate edges being affixed tosaid elongate outer casing along its entire elongate dimension and theother elongate edge thereof being releasably attached to said elongateouter casing along its elongate dimension by means of fasteners, such aszippers; d. Means for inflating and venting said bladder from either endof its elongate dimension, such as by gas fill tubes, said means beingsecured to said bladder with gas tight seals and said means beingreleaseably inserted through said apertures at either end of saidelongated enclosure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein releasablefasteners, such as zippers, are affixed externally to said perforatesheet along one or more elongate seams spaced apart circumferentiallyand in parallel with said elongate edges of said perforate sheet, saidreleasable fasteners being made of predetermined lengths and affixed tosaid perforate sheet in juxtaposition to mating fasteners affixed tosaid outer casing whereby the volume of said bladder may be varied alongits elongate dimension by selective attachment of said perforate sheetto said outer casing along the elongate dimension of said buoyancydevice.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongate outer casingis arranged continuously enveloping the exterior of said perforate sheetwhereby said perforate sheet and said bladder enclosed therein willself-fold compactly within said outer casing when said buoyancy deviceis vented and stretched taut along its elongate dimension.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein an elongate, load member, such as a strapor cable, is embodied within or affixed to said outer casing along itselongate dimension.